Is class important today? What part does it play in courtship and marriage?
How has courtship changed since the 19th century? What benefits/detriments were there to their style of courtship? Is courtship better today?
How have marriages changed since Austen's time? Why do you think more marriages end in divorce today than in the 19th century?
What is Pride? Prejudice?
Why is Pride and Prejudice considered "a classic"?
What makes Pride and Prejudice "timeless"?
2. Goals
Students will appreciate the text and its modern adaptations
Students will understand the context of the novel in 19th century England
Student will participate in class discussions and activities
3. Objectives
Students will develop an understanding of themes, characterization, and tone present in Pride and Prejudice.
Students will be able to apply theme to their own life and modern adaptations of the text.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the culture of 19th century England and be able to compare it to modern society.
Students will understand that novels reflect real life and are influenced by culture.
Students will be able to formulate arguments and be able to argue their point in erudite and sophisticated essays
Students will understand the concept of romance and its evolution since the 19th century
Students will compare and contrast film adaptations of Pride and Prejudice
4. Materials and Text
Every student will need a copy of Pride and Prejudice. The edition doesn't matter but it would help if they were consistent throughout the class.
A computer, projector and screen will be required for introductory Powerpoints. On separate days background will be given on culture in the 19th century, romance literature and Jane Austen.
Students are required to bring basic materials to class. A pen/pencil and paper are necessary.
If the unit was going to go beyond 2-3 weeks, time in the computer lab and library would be necessary for researching their papers.
5. Possible Learning Activities
Examining film adaptations
Match.com profiles for the characters
Journal entries for weekly assignments
Comparisons of Pride and Prejudice characters with modern figures
Vocabulary exploration
Writing from the perspective of a character. What would you do in their shoes?
12th grade AP class
The themes for this unit are love and marriage
1. Organizing Questions
2. Goals
3. Objectives
4. Materials and Text
5. Possible Learning Activities
Poetry component
Pablo Neruda Love Poem